Richard M. DeVos will chair the event, with Foundation Vice Chairs Jim Brooks and Donna Brooks co-hosting the program. An event of the Grand Valley University Foundation, the Enrichment Dinner is scheduled for June 7, at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids. The following people will be recognized:
Enrichment Award
John C. Kennedy is an entrepreneur whose success
in business is coupled with dedication to community service and
philanthropy. At 30, Kennedy leveraged everything he had to buy
Autocam, at that time a single shop with one customer and sales of $8
million. By 2005, Kennedy grew the company to 13 locations around the
world and $350 million in sales, while adhering to a vision that
reflects social and environmental values.
Kennedy has served as a trustee for Grand Valley, Michigan Department of Transportation, Van Andel Institute and various corporate and nonprofit boards. In addition to his personal philanthropy, he has chaired or co-chaired numerous capital campaigns, benefiting organizations such as United Way, Lacks Cancer Center, Catholic Secondary Schools, Meijer Public Broadcast Center and Padnos School of Engineering.
Leadership Award
Randall S. Damstra will receive the Leadership
Award, which honors emerging leaders whose commitment to public
service, economic development, educational and cultural enrichment has
contributed to the quality of life in West Michigan.
Damstra has achieved success in many business, community and university roles. Since 2001, he has served as chief investment officer for RDV Corporation, leading the firms private fund and co-investment activities. He is an active community member, serving as chairman-elect of the board for Goodwill Industries of Grand Rapids and as a trustee of Ada Township. Damstra has been a longtime supporter of Grand Valley's intercollegiate athletics program and was a generous benefactor of the Alumni House. He also served on the campaign committee for the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences.
Arend D. Lubbers Award
Joyce F. Hecht will receive the Arend D.
Lubbers Award, established to honor longtime Grand Valley faculty and
staff for service to the community and university.
For 25 years as the director of development and the founding executive director of the Grand Valley University Foundation, Hecht was directly responsible for raising private funds that made possible significant milestones at the university. With President Emeritus Arend D. Lubbers and friends of Grand Valley, she helped raise more than $50 million for projects and buildings including the Eberhard Center, Meijer Public Broadcast Center, DeVos Center, Annis Water Resources Institute, and many others. During her tenure, the university's endowment grew from less that $1 million to its then-record peak of $40 million in 2000.
Hecht has also served on boards for the Grand Rapids Symphony and Grand Forum and played an active role with Grand Rapids Rotary and other organizations.
Photos of three honorees are available by calling News and Information Services at 616-331-2221.
